The older we get the more we realize that service to others is the only way to stay happy. If we do nothing to benefit others we will do nothing to benefit ourselves.
~Carl Holmes – Politician
When Root&Connect came to mind, one of the things I thought would be an essential part of the program (or therapy) was the Community piece. If you look at the Root&Connect tree, you will see that the pinky finger has two people holding hands as a symbol for community.
Through my own experiences in battling with depression, I went through various phases of acknowledging what it was, accepting that I had it, and finally learning how to overcome it by learning how to manage it in my life. I discovered that doing for others was one of the best remedies to fend off depression and often times the anxiety that came along with it.
My path led me to join various groups and organizations where I could feel a sense of community while also becoming involved with things that I felt passionate about such as meditation, yoga, and gardening. Most recently, I have also decided to become a mentor for a child who is part of a mentoring program that serves children who have an incarcerated parent.
These are ways that I feed my spirit, as well as, take part in something that gives back and encourages me to connect with other like-minded givers. There is something inspiring and transformational about being part of a community of people who come together to serve with the sole purpose of doing good for others.
I see becoming part of a community as one of the keys to feeling true fulfillment, happiness, and health. When my clients begin to figure out what they enjoy or what makes them truly feel happy, I encourage them to get involved in it even it doesn’t mean that they are giving back in any particular way. Sometimes, the person they are needing to give back to most is their own self, and what better way to do this than by doing something they love that makes them feel good inside.
If you are someone who struggles with depression or anxiety or someone who feels like something is missing in your life, think about something you like whether it be music, gardening, art or even recycling. Nowadays, there is something for everyone and plenty of organizations or groups of people just waiting for you to join them in helping to fight for a good cause or just make things better for people and the world we live in.